Hargeisa July 05, 2023 (SD) – The leaders of the opposition parties in Somaliland, Waddani, and UCID, have criticized the recent decision by the Electoral Commission to refer the electoral dispute to the Supreme Court, a move the opposition calls an interference to enclave’s electoral process, while also stating that Somaliland can only be saved by holding the long-delayed presidential elections.

Waddani Party presidential candidate, Abdirahman Irro, addressed the issue of elections in a statement posted on his Facebook page, highlighting the need for fair and inclusive elections that reflect the will of the people. He emphasized the importance of the National Electoral Commission, as an independent institution mandated to oversee the electoral process by the country’s laws and constitution.

He noted that a previous decision by the Supreme Court, which postponed the elections indefinitely, was a result of the long-standing dispute over electoral procedures that remains unresolved. Irro called for the establishment of a credible mechanism to resolve this impasse.

Similarly, UCID Chairman Faisal Warabe, who spoke with local media stated that the referral to the Supreme Court for a decision undermines the electoral process in the country. Faisal expressed concern that if the judiciary fails to recuse themselves from the process, it could further exacerbate the situation.

The lopsided high court is expected to side with the president in further hindering the enclave’s rebuttable electoral achievement.

The electoral dispute has caused a prolonged impasse between the government and the opposition, resulting in demonstrations, loss of lives, and a lack of progress in scheduling new elections that are deemed credible and inclusive.